Licorice is a common flavoring agent and food product. When used as a food product, licorice is not likely to produce health benefits or side effects. When used as a medicinal product, licorice may produce both desired and unwanted effects on the body.

Licorice has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating heartburn when combined with other plants or extracts in a specific preparation. Licorice may also be possibly effective in treating symptoms of eczema (itching, swelling, redness) when applied to the skin.

Other uses not proven with research have included treating psoriasis, canker sores, irritable bowel syndrome, high cholesterol, muscle cramps, cancer pain, arthritis, bleeding, stomach ulcers, and many other conditions.

It is not certain whether licorice is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Licorice should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Licorice is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Licorice may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

What is the most important information I should know about licorice?

Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

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What should I discuss with my health care provider before using licorice?

You should not use this product if you are allergic to licorice, or if you have:

low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia);

past or present cancer of the breast, ovary, or uterus; or

a history of endometriosis or uterine fibroids.

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:

kidney disease;

heart disease;

high blood pressure;

a nerve-muscle disorder;

erectile dysfunction; or

if you eat a lot of salty foods.

The use of licorice as a flavoring agent or food product is likely to be safe during pregnancy. However, taking large amounts of licorice during pregnancy may increase your risk of miscarriage or premature labor. Do not use this product if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether licorice passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.

How should I take licorice?

When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.

If you choose to use licorice, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.

Do not use different forms (powder, root, extract, liquid, teas, etc) of licorice at the same time without medical advice. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose.

Do not take topical (for the skin) licorice by mouth. Topical forms of this product are for use only on the skin.

sexual problems in men (loss of interest, impotence, trouble having an orgasm).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect licorice?

Do not take licorice without medical advice if you are using a medication to treat any of the following conditions:

any type of infection (including HIV, malaria, or tuberculosis);

anxiety or depression;

arthritis pain, occasional pain, or tension headaches;

asthma or allergies;

birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy

cancer;

erectile dysfunction;

heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD);

high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a heart condition;

migraine headaches;

psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders;

a psychiatric disorder; or

seizures.

Do not take licorice without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:

dexamethasone, prednisone, or other steroid medicine;

a diuretic or "water pill";

oral midazolam (Versed); or

warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with licorice, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide.

Consumer resources

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Where can I get more information?

Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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